Fire sign midfielder Alex Monteiro De Lima

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Thursday that the team has signed Brazilian midfielder Alex Monteiro De Lima on a free transfer from Swiss side FC Wohlen. The 23-year-old will be added to the Fire roster upon the opening of the summer transfer window on June 27 and after receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Alex is a special player that we’re proud to add to our roster,” said Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “After having the opportunity to see him play for Wohlen last year, Alex joined us for part of our preseason where he showed the ability to contribute to our club.”

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, De Lima began his professional career with FC Gossau during the 2009-10 Swiss Challenge League campaign, scoring two goals in 18 matches for the St. Gallen-based club. Following his initial campaign, De Lima transferred to FC Wohlen where he’s tallied seven goals in 44 appearances the past two seasons for the north Swiss side.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Chicago Fire during the summer transfer window,” said Alex via translator from Switzerland. “I hope that my skill and experience will assist as the Fire push for a MLS Cup Playoff spot. Loic Favre and Wasserman Media Group were instrumental in bringing me to Chicago and connecting me with the club during the preseason. I am excited to rejoin Frank and the team in June.”

Given a pass to join the Fire during phase one of the club’s 2012 preseason, De Lima appeared as a trialist in two matches for the Fire earlier this year, a 0-0 draw vs. D.C. United on January 29 in Ft. Myers, Fla., and a 3-1 victory over Honduran side Real C.D. España.